The Assam unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has firmly rejected what it describes as attempts to transform the state into a so-called “Miya-land,” referring to the alleged influence of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. The party asserted that such efforts pose a threat to the state’s demographic and cultural identity.

BJP’s Assam chief spokesperson Kishor Kumar Upadhyay cited population data from the 1991 and 2011 Census, pointing to a sharp increase in the Muslim population in districts like Dhubri and Barpeta. He claimed the rise is linked to illegal immigration and warned that it is leading to demographic imbalances.

The party alleged illegal encroachment on forest land, government property, and religious institutions, including satras and temples, by Bengali-origin Muslims. It also referenced the earlier demand for a “Miya Museum” at Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra as part of a broader push for cultural assertion.

Describing such developments as a challenge to Assamese identity, the BJP accused certain groups of attempting to rename heritage sites and construct religious structures in historically significant areas.

Reaffirming its stance, the BJP-led government under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said it is committed to evicting illegal settlers and removing encroachments to safeguard Assam’s cultural and demographic integrity.